An Opportunity

Chapter - 33

The tension in the room shifted as the knight delivered his message. "Your Majesty," he said, his armor clinking as he knelt before Lirael. "A message of importance from the southern border region."

Lirael's regal demeanor sharpened as she accepted the scroll from his outstretched hands. "You may leave us," she said with a tone of authority. The knight bowed deeply and exited the room without a word.

As the door closed behind him, Lirael unfurled the scroll, her sapphire eyes scanning its contents. I watched her expression tighten, a subtle tick at the corner of her lips betraying her annoyance.

"What is it, Mother?" I asked, leaning forward in my chair.

"The southern border region," she began, her voice carrying the weight of frustration. "It's been a persistent headache for me for years. The monster clans there are a constant source of unrest, and the nearby Valdurim Kingdom takes every opportunity to stoke the flames. The result is a mire of chaos that never truly settles."

I frowned. The southern border was infamous for its instability, a region where diplomacy often failed and brute force became the only language understood. "What's happened this time?"

Lirael sighed, her fingers brushing the edge of the scroll. "A clan of Dire stags has attacked one of our cities, causing considerable damage. Several villages in the surrounding area have also been razed. The reports suggest something unusual, though—someone is likely orchestrating these attacks, directing the Dire stags with purpose."

My brow furrowed at the mention of Dire stags. These creatures weren't known for acting in concert. Their ferocity in battle was matched only by their wild independence. 

"Then we send soldiers to wipe them out," I said, my tone practical. "A straightforward solution, isn't it?"

Lirael shook her head, her elegant features clouded with concern. "If only it were that simple. The Valdurim Kingdom has been watching our movements closely along the border. If we send a significant force, they'll interpret it as aggression. That could prompt them to deploy more of their soldiers to the border under the guise of defense. From there, it's a short step to escalating skirmishes, or worse—a war. I can't risk that right now."

Her words carried the heavy burden of leadership, but my mind was already working through an idea. After a moment of thought, I said, "If a large force is out of the question, then send me. I'll go to the southern border and handle the situation personally."

Lirael's head snapped toward me, her eyes wide with alarm. "Absolutely not, Damon. There's no reason for you to put yourself in harm's way."

I leaned forward, "Mother, I need to leave the palace at some point. I can't grow into a competent and strong Tamer by sitting here in safety. This is the perfect opportunity for me to gain real battle experience, to test my abilities. Besides, I can use this as a chance to Tame monsters for myself, bolstering my own strength."

Her delicate hand found mine, squeezing it tightly. "I can't allow it," she said softly. "Your life is too precious to risk. I've already lost so much—"

I cut her off, cupping the back of her head and pulling her closer until our lips met. The kiss was slow and deep, conveying both my affection and my resolve. When I pulled away, I looked into her eyes, now softened with emotion. "Mother, I have to do this. I can't always rely on others to fight my battles. If I'm to be a king worthy of this realm, I need to face these challenges head-on."

Lirael sighed, her resistance wavering. After a moment, she returned my kiss, her lips lingering against mine as though reluctant to let me go. When she pulled back, she looked at me with a mixture of love and resignation. "Very well," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "If this is what you've decided, I won't stop you. But you won't go alone. I'll arrange a team to accompany you—a group of our most skilled warriors and a competent Tamer to assist in controlling the situation."

I smiled, grateful for her understanding. "If I may suggest, Mother, make sure the Tamer is a woman."

She raised an eyebrow, her expression caught between exasperation and amusement. "You're already making demands? There are so few Tamers available who meet the standards I require, and now I must sift through them to find a competent female Tamer who can also protect the life of my precious son?"

Despite her chastisement, I could see the faint curve of a smile tugging at her lips. She leaned in to kiss me again, a gesture both tender and teasing. "Alright, leave it to me. I'll find someone suitable."

---

Preparations for my journey to the southern border region began immediately, and it was decided I would depart in three days. Time was not a luxury I could afford to waste, so I threw myself into every task that could prepare me for what lay ahead.

Much of my time was spent on the training grounds with Sir Edric, whose mastery of the sword never ceased to amaze me. His instructions were direct and practical, tailored specifically to the kind of combat I might face. "Dire stags," he explained as we sparred under the midday sun, "are not just powerful beasts but cunning adversaries. Their antlers are their primary weapons, but don't underestimate their speed and agility. If one charges, sidestepping and striking at its flank is your best chance. But remember, they can also emit lightning attacks from their antlers. Always be wary of that."

When I wasn't training my body, I turned my focus inward, dedicating hours to meditation. Sitting cross-legged on the stone floor of the palace's meditation chamber, I sought to purify the feythar within me. 

In between these preparations, I delved into the royal library. The tomes and scrolls within it provided a wealth of knowledge about the southern region. I read everything I could find on the Dire stags and their behavioral patterns, on the political dynamics of the Valdurim Kingdom, and on the key cities and trade routes of the borderlands. The southern region's economy relied heavily on agriculture and trade. Its vulnerability to monster attacks and the ever-present threat of Valdurim interference explained why it had been a headache for Lirael for years.

Despite the pressure and intensity of the past three days, I felt ready—or as ready as I could be—for the challenges ahead. But as the evening before my departure approached, I wanted to enjoy myself. I would indulge in the comfort and pleasure that my lovely slaves could give me, I decided.

I summoned Cassandra and Nimera to my chambers with a specific request. They were to dress to captivate. When they arrived, the sight that greeted me was nothing short of breathtaking.

Cassandra, the mature and sultry mother, and Nimera, her youthful and fiery daughter, stood before me dressed in matching white lingerie that clung to their curves like a second skin. Delicate lace adorned their bodices, the garter belts accentuating the supple lines of their thighs. Stockings of the finest silk climbed up their legs, and their feet were slipped into elegant white heels. Their fiery red hair had been styled to perfection—Cassandra's in soft waves that cascaded down her shoulders, and Nimera's in a playful braid that highlighted her slender neck. Ruby-red lipstick painted their full lips, making them even more alluring.

I leaned back against the pillows of my bed, taking in the view with a smirk of satisfaction. "You've both outdone yourselves," I said, my voice low and appreciative. "Come closer. Let me admire you properly."

The two women stepped closer to me. Cassandra's confidence shone in the sway of her hips, while Nimera's slightly shy smile hinted at her excitement. They stopped just a breath away from the edge of the bed, their gazes fixed on me, awaiting my next command.

"Turn around," I instructed, and they complied. Their sculpted asses turned towards me as the intricate patterns of lace on their lingerie were revealed in full detail. The garter straps framed their curves beautifully, and I couldn't resist the urge to reach out and trail a hand along Cassandra's ass, my fingers lingering on the smooth skin before giving it a firm, resounding spank. A gasp escaped her lips at the sharp sting of my hand. 

"You're stunning," I murmured, my eyes drifting to Nimera. "Both of you."

Cassandra turned her head to glance back at me, her ruby lips curving into a knowing smile. "We are here to serve you, Master," she said.

"And serve me, you shall," I replied.

Reaching out, I pulled both women onto the bed, their bodies falling onto mine. Their weight settled comfortably on my chest as I wrapped my arms around their waists.

I tilted Cassandra's chin upwards, my thumb gently brushing against her soft skin, before capturing her lips. My tongue explored the interior of her mouth, playing with her tongue. Pulling back, I then gave the same deep kiss to Nimera as well, savoring the sweet, wine-like sweetness of her lipstick.